Alfajores are a classic Latin American sandwich cookie that are extremely popular in Argentina. In fact, I would call alfajores the Oreo of Argentina, but then that would be a disservice to both Oreos and alfajores. Both sandwich cookies deserve their own spotlight!
A Very Special Sandwich Cookie
What makes alfajores so special is that they are filled with dulce de leche – a popular, very celebrated Latin American milk caramel. Back in the old days, on the little farms and ranches around Latin America, you could always count on a fresh supply of milk. Sweets were a luxury, and there were not many fancy ingredients to be found. If you could get a little sugar, then you could make delicous dulce de leche on your stove top. Check out my recipe if you are curious about making your own dulce de leche. However, you can always purchase store-bought dulce de leche which is a much quicker process!
Make in advance for best flavor
I will admit, the cookie part of an alfajor is not that delicious. If you try one of the cookies fresh from the oven without the filling, you will be underwhelmed. But once you add the dulce de leche filling, the experience definitely improves. The magic happens when you let the alfajores rest in an airtight container for a few days. The butter cookie soaks up the dulce de leche and the flavors mellow and blend. If you can wait a couple of days before nejoying your alfajores, you will be blown away by their amazing buttery rich flavor!
Making your own dulce de leche for your alfajores is not critical, as you can definitely buy dulce de leche at the super market or online. Not too many people have a couple of hours for standing at the stove to stir a pot! But definitely make your own alfajores – very much worth your time!
Alfajores are cookies filled with Dulce de Leche
- Prep Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 25 sandwich cookies 1x
Ingredients
1 ¾ cups flour (225g)
1/8 tsp. salt (2g)
½ cup sugar(100g)
1 tsp. baking soda (3g)
4 oz butter, softened (115g)
1 tsp. lemon zest (2g)
4 egg yolks, lightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla (5ml)
1 recipe dulce de leche (or 1 cup purchased/240ml)
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Combine flour, salt, sugar and baking soda in a bowl. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender. Work in the lemon zest then mix the egg yolks and vanilla. Shape the dough into 2 balls and chill for 2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C). On a floured surface, roll out each ball to a ¼” inch .5cm) thickness. Cut into 2” (4.5cm) rounds and transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Cookies will not brown but should be dry to the touch. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
Fill one cookie with a spoonful of dulce de leche, and then place another cookie on top to make a sandwich. Make all of your alfajores in the same fashion.
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